The title of Chief Information Security Officer, or CISO, hasn’t been around all that long. The role first emerged during the 1990s as cyber attacks became larger, and started occurring more frequently. Today, very few large organisations run without a CISO, but in small to medium-sized businesses, the role is likely to involve more general security responsibilities.

A successful CISO not only safeguards a company’s digital assets but also integrates security into the business’s core operations. And that’s no mean feat. Between the increase in cybercrime and the ever-growing attack surface brought about by accelerated digital transformation, the role of the CISO has become increasingly complex, demanding a holistic and adaptive approach to safeguarding organisational assets.

In this context, we engaged with our community of experts to better understand the key behaviours that make an effective CISO.

Trait No.1: Ability to Build a Solid Team

An effective CISO knows the importance of a cohesive team. This means not tolerating toxic behaviours, regardless of technical capability. If someone negatively impacts the team, they need to go. A strong, collaborative team is more productive and resilient.

Trait No.2: Cost Management and Tool Optimisation

Effective cost management is vital. This involves simplifying processes and fully utilising existing tools before investing in new ones. Encouraging other teams to do the same ensures that the organisation maximises its resources and identifies real gaps in their toolsets.

Trait No.3: Commitment to Training

Continuous learning is a cornerstone of a good security team. Mandating a minimum of three hours of training per week ensures that team members stay updated on the latest threats and technologies. This regular training is essential for maintaining a high level of expertise and readiness.

Trait No.4: Speaking the Language of Business

A CISO must understand and communicate in business terms. An MBA can be invaluable here, helping to bridge the gap between security needs and business objectives. It’s about balancing security measures with business goals, ensuring that security initiatives support, rather than hinder, revenue generation. This also involves quantifying the financial impact of potential security incidents to justify expenditures on security measures.

Trait No.5: Securing Executive Buy-In

Gaining the support of other executives is crucial for building a strong security culture. Without their backing, implementing effective security measures across the organisation becomes challenging. Engaging leadership ensures that security initiatives are prioritised and resourced appropriately.

Trait No.6: Gaining Grassroots Support

Just as important as executive buy-in is grassroots support. Employees need to feel involved in the security process. By creating security champions within the organisation, a CISO can ensure that security practices are adopted and adhered to at all levels. This bottom-up approach is essential for effective implementation and adherence to security policies.

Trait No.7: Positive Reinforcement

Avoiding a fear-based approach to security is key. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and education. People should understand the importance of security measures and how they protect themselves and the organisation. Providing tools and clear, positive guidance helps to foster a proactive security culture.

Trait No.8: Understanding Limits and Avoiding Burnout

Recognising personal limits and preventing burnout is essential. A good CISO knows when to step back and trust their team. Empowering directors and managers to make decisions ensures that the organisation can function smoothly, even in the CISO’s absence. The CISO’s role is to set strategic direction and remove obstacles, allowing the team to perform effectively.

Trait No.9: Ownership and Celebration

Taking ownership of failures and celebrating team successes builds trust and morale. When things go wrong, it’s the CISO’s responsibility to address the root causes and provide the necessary resources and training. When things go right, it’s crucial to recognise and celebrate the contributions of the team members. This approach fosters a supportive and motivated work environment.

Trait No.10: Implementing Agile Methodologies

Adopting agile methodologies tailored to the team can significantly improve productivity. Breaking down work into manageable chunks and controlling the work in progress helps prevent overload and promotes a flow state. This ensures that projects are completed more efficiently and reduces the frustration of perpetual incrementalism. Embracing principles from thought leaders like Gene Kim and Goldratt can transform how teams approach their work, making it more structured and enjoyable.

Conclusion

A successful CISO embodies a blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership skills. By leaning into these traits a CISO can create a robust security framework that not only protects but also empowers the organisation.

At Metomic, our focus is to help CISOs secure their sensitive data in SaaS and Gen AI apps, without getting in the way of employee productivity. To see how Metomic can help you, book your personalised demo today.